Color Scheme Manipulation Technolgy

ABSTRACT

A color-changing auxiliary system comprising; a color-modifiable material, a pigment pump, and a control mechanism, are in communication allowing for color customization of household, wearable, or any other material in which color is seen. A pigment pump containing a plurality of pigment reserves with selectable colors works to mix and pump pigments into a channel of the color-customizable material. A channel is defined as a base layer with a translucent top layer, with sealable inlets and outlets to retain pigment. The pigment pump is reversible in order to pump pigments from the color-customizable material as well as flush remaining pigments in the channel. A touchscreen control is in communication with the device and allows for a user to control the color, amount, and final design of pigments within the material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of media, such as garments, which change color while being worn by a person, and particularly in regard to materials and objects that have fluid pockets therein wherein colored fluid is pumped through the material or object by a system.

2. Description of Related Art

Human beings are social creatures who differentiate themselves through fashion so as to broadcast their social rank, affiliations, and aspirations. The proliferation of fashion designs and the ever-shifting definition of what is fashionably acceptable has made it difficult to satisfy this deep human need. Projecting through fashion one's social rank—or desired social rank—is fairly stable, as changing social rank is usually a long term prospect, therefore as far as fashion is concerned, fashion trends that project a desired social rank would be less likely to change. Projecting social affiliation and aspirations, on the other hand, are fluid and can change suddenly. For example, a new music group or celebrity becomes popular and affiliation based fashion styles change in turn. Or, a person begins enjoying a new genre of music and so begins dressing similar to established fans. In this sense, a person may desire to change their overall fashion style rather frequently based upon their exposure to new cultural artifacts. This leads to a dilemma in that overhauling one's wardrobe can be both an expensive endeavor and something frequently desired.

To overcome this dilemma many people change their basic wardrobe, such as shirts, blouses, pants and dresses while leaving their accessories—shoes, hats, handbags, and belts—the same. This is a less than ideal situation as it means these accessory items don't match the overall fashion intention of the wearer. People like to change colors of the interior of their cars and houses, along with wall art, for example, or students with binder-covers. It is desirable to change colors for any of these media.

Some accessory items, such as belts and outer coats, are reversible to accommodate an additional fashion style, but the wearer is still limited to only two options. Reversible clothing is also disadvantaged due to the differential wear that occurs on the side of the garment more frequently worn. Alternatively, users can elect to permanently change the color of their garment accessory using paints or dyes.

Shoes are a popular garment to paint, but this presents two downsides. First, the color the pair of shoes is to be painted depends upon the shoe's original color, as it is generally not feasible to go from a dark color to a light one due to the inherent nature of the paint. To move from a darker color to a lighter one would require a number of base coats which further decrease the aesthetic quality of the shoe. Secondly, the paint can wear off quicker than the original factory shoe dye and is more prone to scuffs and scratches.

Other garment accessories, such as handbags are also frequently painted, but share many of the same shortcomings inherent to self-painted shoes. First, the paint is prone to showing wear and tear and once painted a dark color—or if the factory applied color is dark—it is very difficult to paint to a lighter color. Painting garment accessories is not an ideal solution.

Vehicle or residential interiors may be refashioned to meet aesthetic needs and modernize or change according to design tastes, and a large part of the change is color.

Dyeing is another popular method of changing the color of garment accessories. While dyeing provides a color change that is more durable than painting, the user has less control over the process. Dyed garments are, with the expectation of tie dyeing, limited to a single color, or if multicolor it is difficult to dye precisely. It is a permanent process—once a garment is dyed a given color it cannot be further dyed reliably. Dyeing a white shirt red and then yellow, for example, would produce a shirt that is orange.

With regards to changing the color of a household item, the hassle lies not only in the process of changing the color, but cleaning, organizing, taping, and covering with plastic items that you do not want to change color. For example, it would be convenient to change the color of a table without having to take items off the table, or clean it whatsoever.

With an increasing population and the global culture cultivated in today's society, the omnipresent need to maintain individualism and identity is becoming more and more difficult. Almost anything we own has the capacity to be customizable when proper technology is implemented, and the desire for such materials are growing. However, while one may want to have clothing items in every color, décor to match the changing wall color of their annual new apartment, or a car material that is variable based on ones mood, it is economically, environmentally, and practically unfeasible to acquire the different color materials needed to satiate these desires.

Based upon the foregoing there is a need in the art for improvements to the ability to quickly change the color of garments, accessories, household items, or any other item without resorting to permanent dyes, paints, or garment reversal. Such an improvement should allow the user to quickly and repeatedly change the color or colors of items without permanently affecting the garment or garment accessory. Moreover, such a device should allow the user greater control over the pattern of colors, allowing the user to express their social affiliation and aspirations through the garment accessory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a color customizable material is described as comprising a base layer selectively bonded to a translucent second layer. The bondage of the two layers forms one or more channels which are in communication with an inlet. The one or more inlets are adapted to receive pigment from a pigment pump device. The plurality of channels will terminate in a pocket as to allow for the pooling of pigment. The color customizable material comprises at least one outlet adapted to extract pigments.

In an embodiment, the inlets are self sealing, allowing the retention of pigments within the one or more channels of the color changing material.

In an embodiment, the color-customizable material is in communication with a pigment pump device. The pigment pump device comprises a plurality of pigment reserves which are adapted to hold pigments.

In an embodiment, a variable control valve connected to the pigment reserves allows for the selective intake of pigments. A pigment mixing mechanism is connected to the pigment reserves in order to selectively mix desired pigments. A reversible micropump is connected to the pigment mixing mechanism in order to selectively pump pigments to the color customizable medium.

In an embodiment, the pigment pump device will further comprise an air bubble remover to remove bubbles that may have been created during the pigment mixing process.

In an embodiment, the pigment pump device is in communication with a microcontroller which is connected to one or more valves and mixing mechanism in addition to a touchscreen control.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe using the color system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of the color system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a further functional diagram of the color system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of the color system controller, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of using the color system controller, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b , a color-change medium 2 is made of a two-layer material, wherein the lower layer is opaque, and the upper layer is transparent or translucent. The layers are selectively bonded to create a plurality of channels therein, for holding and transmitting colored fluid therethrough. The color pigment inlets 5 are each connected to one or more pigment veins 10. Pigment veins 10 terminate in pigment pockets 15.

The color change medium shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b may be attached to any household object, automobile component, clothing item, or any other embodiment that one would want to customize on-demand. The attachment may be universal, or with options for larger sizing based on the quantity of pigment needed for the given material.

In the embodiment shown and with reference to FIG. 1a , a medium such as a shoe 22 has a number of veins extending from color pigment inlets positioned at the top of the shoe's collar. Each of the veins 10 comprises a channel through the material the channels colored fluid through the vein 10 and into the pigment pockets 15, where the channels terminate. In this embodiment, vein 1 a and 2 leads to pigment pocket 3, and vein 1 a and 2 continue to pigment pocket 2, and vein 1 a continues to pigment pocket 2. With reference to the other side of the garment in FIG. 1b , pigment pocket 2 runs across the front of the toe of the shoe and connects to the reverse side, wherein vein 1 b continues to pigment pocket 2 b. Connected to pigment pocket 2, were veins 1 b and 2 b, which continued to pigment pocket 3, and back up to the color pigment outlets 20. There is a heel pocket 4 connected to the inlet 5 through vein 4. Also, there is an ankle pigment pocket 5 connected to the inlets 5 by veins 3 and 4. In some cases, two veins will connect with a single pigment pocket, in which case the veins would each contain the same color, but would be able to fill the pocket faster. There is preferentially no mixing of pigments within the channels and pockets, rather color mixing is preferentially performed on the pigment pump. The inlets 5 each connect with a single vein 10. In an embodiment, the inlets 5 are self-sealing when a pigment pump device is not attached thereto.

In an embodiment, the material of the medium has three layers, the backing layer preferentially in white, a first layer defining channels and pockets sealingly bonded with the backing layer, and a second layer defining channels and pockets wherein it is bonded to the first layer. The patterns of channels defined by the first layer may be different and contrast with the channels defined by the second layer, such that each may contain a number of different pigments. The channels running on top of one another may produce new shades based on the subtractive theorem of color.

In an embodiment, each layer is made of plastic, wherein the layers are heat bonded to create watertight channels therein, which prevent colored fluid in one channel from leaking into another adjacent channel.

In an embodiment, layers of plastic may be bonded by the consumer, allowing for even further customization of the design. The consumer would be able to design not only the color scheme but also where the colors go within the material.

With reference to FIG. 2, wherein a functional diagram of the pigment pump shows a plurality of pigment reserves 25-29 contain pigments, for example, yellow 25, magenta 26, cyan 27, white 28 and black 29. The pigment reserves are replaceable with pigment reserves of the same or a different color. A pigment valve 30 containing a flush valve 31, controls access to the pigment reserves selectively permits color to enter the pigment mixing mechanism 32, which may mix two or more pigments to form a new color, or may leave a single pigment to pass through unaffected. The single or mixed pigment then passes into the air bubble remover 35 through intermediate channels 36, as the pigment mixing mechanism 32 may introduce bubbles into the liquid pigment. Each of the pigments is allocated to a channel, in one embodiment there are five channels and five pigments. Mixing of the pigments is performed within the pigment pump device, not within the channels or pockets. The controller is informed of which pigment is within which channel at any given time.

After the bubbles are removed by the air bubble remover 35, the pigment passes into the primary reversible micropump 38, which subsequently pumps the pigment into a selected vein through the primary variable control valve 40. Some of the valves in the variable control valve 40 may be oriented for connection to the detachable medium, such as a garment, hat, shoes, art or automotive or building interiors. Once the pigment passes through the veins and provides color to the medium, it arrives at a secondary variable control valve 50. A set of pigment sensors 44 is also present between the primary and secondary variable control valves 40, 50 to determine the pigment in each of the veins and provide this information to the microprocessor. The second variable control valve is also connected to a secondary reversible micropump 52. The secondary micropump is optionally connected to a detachable flush reservoir 54 that holds and collects old pigment.

A battery-powered power supply 56 provides correct power to the control subsystem, including the touchscreen control and microcontroller 62, as well as the primary and secondary micropumps 38, 52, pigment, primary and secondary valves 30, 40, 50, pigment mixing mechanism 32 and pigment sensors 44. The microcontroller 62 is aware of the colors of each of the pigment reservoirs within the pigment pump device, and can therefore control the color that is being emitted into each of the inlets 5.

A touchscreen control 60 permits the user to interact with the system and control a number of functions, including which color is matched with which vein or pigment pockets, ii) when to empty and/or change the colors of the veins/pigment pockets. The touchscreen control may be mounted on the garment or may be handheld as a control or smartphone, and provide signals to the microcontroller 62 by Bluetooth, other wireless means, or USB serial connection. The touchscreen control 60 is in communication with the microcontroller 62, which controls the pigment valve 30 and selects the color. It also provides commands to the pigment mixing mechanism 32, air bubble remover 35, and reversible micropump 38, which pumps the selected pigments into the garment veins 10 and pigment pockets 15. As the colors are pumped out of the primary variable control valve 40 and into the inlets 5, the pigment sensors relay the color of the pigments in each of the inlets 5 to the microcontroller 62. The microcontroller 62 also controls the secondary variable control valve 50 and associated secondary micropump 52. The microcontroller 62 and sensor/control system is powered by the power supply 56. In an embodiment, the pigment pump device is separable from the inlets 5 and removable, wherein the inlets are self-sealing once the pigment pump is removed to prevent egress of pigment fluid. In another embodiment, the pigment pump device is connected to the medium and inlets 5 permanently or semi-permanently.

In an embodiment, the device may have a universal connector between the pigment pump device and inlets 5 in order to facilitate the variety of mediums that the pigment pump device is able to connect to.

In a further embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the flush system for removing used pigment is shown. A plurality of pigment reserves 25-29 is shown, which are connected to a micropump 38 and air bubble remover 35. The micropump 38 pumps the pigment through intermediate channels 36 to connect with the inlets 5 to the plurality of veins 10. A flush reservoir 70 is positioned nearby and is also selectively connected to the inlets 5 through a flush inlet 75. The flush reservoir 70 contains a flush fluid for passing through the inlets and flushing unwanted pigment out of the veins 10 and pockets 15. Connected to the outlets 20, there is a flush outlet 80, for receiving flushing fluids and passing them into the suction vacuum motor 85, which provides suction to the veins 10 to remove the fluid and stores the fluid in the pigment reservoir 88. The outlets 20 are connected to the secondary micropump 52, and are self-sealing when the pigment pump device is removed. The system also has a rechargeable battery 90 and power supply plug 92 to receive external power.

In an embodiment, the colors may change once the previous pigment is removed from the veins 10 and pockets 15 to the flush outlet 80. The emptying of the veins and pockets is facilitated by the outlets 20 connection with the secondary micropump 52, which effectively sucks the pigment out of the veins and pockets.

With reference to FIG. 4, the touchscreen control 60 has a power button 95 and a touchscreen 100, which has an LCD or LED screen behind, and receives input from touch of a finger, either resistively or capacitatively.

In an embodiment, the touchscreen control 60 is able to control each and every aspect of the device, ranging but not limited to color selection and optimization, to terminal location and amount of pigment used. In an embodiment, the device may be able to recognize the material and medium linked therein, and provide customization based on this observation.

In an embodiment, the complete system described is fully integrated into the color-modifiable material. Integrated embodiments may contain a touchscreen control 60. The control of the pigment pump can be fully manipulated and controlled by a mobile application. This feature give remote modifiability as well as on-the-go color changing to materials without the need to connect to an external pump, and control panel.

In an embodiment, the mobile application in communication with device may have access to downloadable templates from an online resource that are sourced from popular color-customizable designs. The application may have various methods for sharing of color-customizable designs with other users.

A method is shown in FIG. 5 for inputting pigment into colorable materials. A pigment pump device is connected to one or more inlets of a colorable material having pigment channels 100. Pigments are then pumped into pigment channels of the color-customizable material 105. As the pigment is pumped it will colorize the pigment channels 110. Once fully colorized, the pump is disconnected from the inlets and the inlets are sealed 115. A reversible micropump may be connected to the inlets to remove the pigment into a flush reservoir 120. New pigments are then ready to be pumped through the inlets 125.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A color-customizable material comprising: a. a base layer of the color-customizable material; b. a translucent second layer selectively bonded to the base layer to define one or more channels each of which is in communication with an inlet; and c. one or more inlets adapted to receive pigment.
 2. The color-customizable material of claim 1 further comprising at least one channel as defined in claim 1 terminating in one or more pockets for pooling the pigment.
 3. The color customizable material of claim 1 further comprising at least one outlet connected to each channel adapted for extracting pigments within the channel.
 4. The color customizable material of claim 1 further comprising a translucent third layer bonded to the second layer, further defining channels between the second layer and the third layer.
 5. The color customizable material of claim 1 wherein the inlets are self-sealing.
 6. The color customizable material of claim 1 further comprising a pigment pump device comprising: a. a plurality of one or more pigment reserves; b. a variable control valve connected to the plurality of pigment reserves to selectively intake the pigments; c. a pigment mixing mechanism connected to the variable control pump to mix the pigments; and d. a reversible micropump connected to the pigment mixing mechanism wherein pigments are selectively pumped to the color customizable medium.
 7. A pigment pump device comprising: e. a plurality of one or more pigment reserves; f. a variable control valve connected to the plurality of pigment reserves to selectively intake the pigments; g. a pigment mixing mechanism connected to the variable control pump to mix the pigments; and h. a reversible micropump connected to the pigment mixing mechanism wherein pigments are selectively pumped to the color customizable medium.
 8. The pigment pump device of claim 7 further comprising an air bubble remover adapted to remove air bubbles from the pigment.
 9. The pigment pump device of claim 7 further comprising a variable control valve wherein pigments are selectively communicated to the color customizable material.
 10. The pigment pump device of claim 7 further comprising a microcontroller connected to the valves and mixing mechanism and a touchscreen control connected to the microcontroller.
 11. A method of colorizing a detachable medium comprising: a. connecting a pigment pump device to one or more inlets of the colorable material having pigment channels; b. pumping pigments into pigment channels of the material; c. pigment channels filling with colored pigment; i. disconnecting the pigment pump and sealing the inlets; d. connecting a secondary reversible micropump to inlets and removing pigment to a flush reservoir; e. pumping new pigment into channels through inlets. 